Â·Training, teaching and design consultancies in the areas of laboratory refurbishment and design, management of laboratory health and safety, and control of hazardous substances

Role at USP

I manage the laboratories and related facilities of the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at Laucala Campus, where I am based, and organize provisions for practical biology and chemistry classes throughout the Region. I also coordinate technical support for laboratory and field-based research activities and do my best to ensure that we maintain the best possible standards of health and safety throughout our teaching and research activities.

I am supported by more than twenty highly skilled and well-motivated technical support staff. Two Senior Technicians provide subject-specific expertise and direct supervision of laboratory staff in biology and chemistry respectively. It is my privilege to be entrusted with leadership of this truly excellent team which is a model of professional dedication, loyalty and cohesiveness.

Recent Highlights

Being allowed out of my office earlier this year (January 2015) to visit the Marshall Islands and Kiribati for the purpose of surveying sites for new science laboratories stands out as a recent highlight. The remoteness of the locations and related geographical and development issues certainly make the sustainable design and implementation of such facilities a challenge and yet at the same time underline the importance of enhancing capacity for teaching and research in science throughout the Region. I am looking forward to these new facilities becoming a reality.

Ongoing projects (as of May 2015) include:

Â·Leading a review of our current Laboratory Safety Manual to make it applicable to all the lab-based science areas of our Faculty

Â·Representing the Faculty in the design and planning phases of exciting new laboratory facilities currently being planned for Regional Campuses

Â·Contributing to the development of Region-wide training and capacity-building programs in Hazardous Chemicals Management